About this opportunity
Digital transformation moves fastest when the people shaping it reflect the communities they serve. That is the idea behind the ITU Gender Champions Programme, a new initiative from the International Telecommunication Union, implemented with support from Australia and Women's WorldWide Web (W4). For its first cohort the programme will recognize up to four outstanding young women, aged 18 to 25, who are already driving meaningful change through technology and digital innovation.
Gender Champions step into a global network of experts, policymakers and innovators. They join the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland, held from 21 to 25 June 2027, and they carry a platform that amplifies their work back home. Subject to sufficient available funds, champions may also receive support to implement or strengthen a community level project that advances digital inclusion, access, skills or empowerment for women and girls.
The call is open to young women across the world, including Nigeria and other African countries, working on areas such as digital skills, connectivity, innovative solutions, online safety, AI for social good or inclusive digital policy. Applications opened on 21 September 2026 and close on 15 November 2026. ITU has not published a cut-off time, so it is wise to submit well before the closing date, and only pre selected candidates will be contacted.
What you receive
- Recognition as an ITU Gender Champion in the programme's inaugural cohort
- Opportunity to participate in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland, 21 to 25 June 2027
- A place in a global network of experts, policymakers and innovators in digital transformation
- Support to amplify your impact and strengthen your leadership
- Possible funding support, subject to sufficient available funds, for a community project advancing digital inclusion, access, skills or empowerment for women and girls
Who can apply
- Young women aged 18 to 25
- You are using technology to create positive change in your community, country or region
- Your work advances digital transformation, digital inclusion or a more equitable digital future, for example digital skills, connectivity, innovative solutions, online safety, AI for social good or inclusive digital policy
- Open worldwide, including applicants from Nigeria and across Africa
Who should not apply
- Applicants outside the 18 to 25 age range or who are not young women leaders cannot join this cohort
- Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only pre selected candidates will be contacted
Documents to prepare
- A completed ITU Gender Champions application form
- Review of the programme Terms and Conditions before you apply
How to apply
- Read the programme Terms and Conditions linked from the ITU Gender Champions page
- Open the official application form at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/N6J1QihUx6
- Complete the form with details of your technology work and the change it creates in your community
- Submit before the closing date of 15 November 2026. ITU publishes no cut-off time, so apply early
- Watch for the cohort announcement on 8 March 2027
Selection process
- ITU and programme partners review applications against the criteria set out in the Terms and Conditions
- Only pre selected candidates are contacted
- The final cohort is chosen with a view to diversity of backgrounds, experiences and geographical representation
- The cohort is announced on 8 March 2027
Sources and verification
Related opportunities
- Rise to Lead: Girl Up 2026 Global Leadership Summit
A free virtual global leadership summit on 10 October 2026 that brings young leaders worldwide together for conversations on youth leadership, gender justice and intergenerational dialogue. Registration is open and the summit is hosted online.
Questions applicants ask
Is there a cash prize or stipend?
The programme does not publish a cash award. Its value lies in the global network, the summit platform in Geneva, and possible project support, subject to sufficient available funds, for work advancing digital inclusion for women and girls.
Do I need to travel to Geneva?
Selected Gender Champions have the opportunity to participate in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland, from 21 to 25 June 2027.
When do applications close?
Applications close on 15 November 2026. No cut-off time is published, so submit early to be safe.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
